Tested the deck in FNM tonight, with a 3-1 record as the result.
I won against a WG heroic-type deck, a W heroic/enchantment deck and a more defensive version of my deck - a mill deck that ran big walls, among other things.
My only loss came against a GR deck with a bunch of Hydras, Arbor Colossus and the like. I feel like this should be an OK match-up for me, but without really drawing much of my targeted removal, I was powerless against the Kalonian Hydra and friends. It would be interesting to test more against this type of deck. Especially after I've acquired some Lifebane Zombies for my SB.
What I like about this deck, is that there are multiple threats. Pack Rat, Consuming Aberration and Nightveil Specter all secured wins for me today. I actually don't think Phenax even entered play for me. As far as the milling goes, as a finisher, he is the star - lethal both with a bunch of rats and with one or more huge Consuming Aberrations - but being able to win without him is kind of the plan .
After the tournament today, I was able to get my hands on some cards I needed/wanted for this deck. I added two Hero's Downfall, a Thassa, God of the Sea and an Erebos, God of the Dead, as well as three Temple of Deceit. The cards I took out were three basic lands, two Psychic Strike, a Duress and a Divination. I also got another Whip of Erebos for my SB.
The temples should be great for scrying and help further prevent getting color screwed.
I'm eager to test Thassa and Erebos as well. Both should help my draw through their abilities - Thassa allowing me to scry 1 on my upkeep and Erebos allowing me to pay two mana and two life to draw a card. Him denying other players the possibility for gaining life aren't bad either. Oh, and Thassa's ability to make target creature unblockable, should work well for those pesky stand-offs.
They're not making my deck any faster but I'm keen to test it with the new changes. Thoughtseize, Pack Rat and lots of cheap removal helps, though.
I'm hoping to acquire one or two more Jace, Architect of Thought. They're great for drawing and as a buffer for creature attacks (both with the +1 ability and as a target). I also want three more Watery Grave.
I would love some feedback on this deck. The main points in that regard being pacing, choices of removal and SB. All suggestions appreciated :)
